A water meter measures how much water your home uses. Instead of paying a set unmetered charge, you pay mainly for the water you use.
A meter can save some households money, but not everyone will pay less.
How Does a Water Meter Work?
A water meter records the water entering your home. Water is measured in cubic metres, with one cubic metre equal to 1,000 litres.
Your bill is then based partly on how much water you use. However, you will normally have some fixed charges too, and you may also pay for wastewater and drainage.
So, not every part of a metered bill changes with your water use.
Could You Save Money?
It depends on how much water your household uses and what you pay now.
A meter may be worth considering if:
- one or two people live in a larger home
- your current water bill is high
- you use relatively little water
- your home has a high rateable value
You may hear that a meter is worth considering if your home has more bedrooms than people. This can be a useful starting point, but it does not tell you for certain whether you will save.
Your actual water use is more important.
Could You Pay More?
Yes. If your household uses a lot of water, a meter could increase your bill.
For example, you may use more water if you have a large family, take frequent baths or regularly water a large garden.
However, household size alone does not decide whether a meter will save money. The best way to find out is to estimate your likely metered bill and compare it with what you pay now.
Can You Get a Meter?
If you live in England or Wales, you can normally ask your water company to fit a meter free of charge.
However, this is not always possible. The layout of your home or water pipes can sometimes make fitting a meter difficult or too expensive.
Your water company can tell you whether a meter can be fitted.
What If It Cannot Be Fitted?
Sometimes a home cannot have its own meter. For example, the property may share its water supply with another home or there may be nowhere suitable to put one.
In this situation, your water company may offer an assessed charge instead.
This is an estimated charge based on what you might have paid with a meter. So, compare it with your current bill to see whether it would save you money.
Where Is the Meter?
Water meters can be fitted inside or outside your home.
For example, yours might be:
- under a small cover outside
- in your garden or driveway
- in the pavement
- in a box on an outside wall
- inside, near where the water pipe enters your home
If you are unsure where yours is, your water company should be able to help.
How Is a Meter Read?
Traditional meters need to be read so your water company knows how much water you have used.
The company may take the reading, or you may be able to send one yourself.
Smart water meters can send readings automatically. Some water companies also let you check your water use online or through an app.
Check Your Bill
If your bill seems too high, first check whether the meter reading is actual or estimated.
If you can safely reach your meter, compare its reading with the one shown on your bill.
A large difference could explain the problem. Regular readings can also help you spot an unexpected rise in water use.
Could You Have a Leak?
A sudden increase in water use could be a sign of a leak.
To check, turn off taps and anything else using water. Then look at the meter.
If it continues to record water use, there may be a leak somewhere in or around your home.
Also check simple causes, such as a dripping tap, running toilet or outside tap.
What If You Find a Leak?
A leak can quickly increase a metered bill because the lost water may still pass through your meter.
So, deal with it as soon as possible and contact your water company if necessary.
You may also be able to get a leakage allowance. This can reduce your bill for water lost through a leak, although the rules vary between water companies.
Can You Change Back?
If you choose to have a meter fitted and then find that you are paying more, you may be able to return to unmetered charging for a limited time.
However, the rules can vary. Check with your water company before you switch so you know what options you will have.
You may not be able to change back if the home was already metered when you moved in or if metering is required in your area.
Also, returning to unmetered charging does not normally mean the meter itself will be removed.
What If You Move Home?
If your new home already has a water meter, you will normally continue to pay on a metered basis.
You generally cannot have an existing meter removed simply because you would prefer an unmetered bill.
So, when moving home, it is worth checking how the property is charged.
Should You Get a Meter?
Start with your current water bill. Then estimate how much water your household is likely to use and compare the costs.
Do not choose a meter simply because you have heard that they are cheaper. They can save money, but it depends on your home and water use.
If the figures suggest you could save, contact your water company and ask about having a meter fitted.
Key Points
- A water meter measures how much water you use.
- A meter can save money, but not for every household.
- In England and Wales, you can normally ask for one free of charge.
- If a meter cannot be fitted, you may be offered an assessed charge.
- A sudden rise in water use could mean you have a leak.
- Check the rules about changing back before choosing a meter.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
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